Our Team

Nancy has been with Coastal Hospice for thirteen years. In her current role, Director of Access and Palliative Care Services, Nancy oversees the Coastal Hospice Access Department, which coordinates hospice referrals and admissions, along with the Coastal Palliative Care Program, which provides palliative care to patients throughout our community. Previously, she was with Vitas Hospice in Delaware. Her background has been in the nonprofit sector as well as in sales and marketing for the medical field, including approximately 7 years in pharmaceutical sales. In addition to her role as Director of Access and Palliative Care Services, she coordinates the We Honor Veterans Program for our organization. Through this role, she engages staff and community in a variety of ways to help honor our veterans. Nancy plans to be with the agency for the duration of her working career stating, “This is the most impactful and meaningful work she’s ever done.”

Dr. Joan Carpenter is an expert in geriatric palliative care, specializing in caring for older adults and their families. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, a Health Scientist at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and a nurse practitioner with Coastal Hospice and Palliative Care. Her practice and research focuses on palliative care interventions to improve the quality of life, reduce symptom burden, and enhance decision making for persons with serious illness and their care partners.

With over 10 years of dedicated experience in hospice and palliative care, Heather is a passionate nurse practitioner committed to providing outstanding care for patients and their families during life’s most challenging times. Specializing in hospice nursing, she has honed her expertise through various roles, including case management, general inpatient care, and extended services. Heather holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Throughout her career, Heather has built lasting relationships with patients and families, guiding them through the intricacies of end-of-life care with empathy, respect, and dignity. Her holistic approach integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique circumstances. As a dedicated advocate for hospice and palliative care, Heather continues to engage in professional development and community education, promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.